Palace seal cut-price deal for McCarthy

UpdatedCrystal Palace have concluded a deadline-beating deal for James McCarthy for a reported £2.7m.

While the Blues were said to have tried to offer the Irish midfielder as part of a £70m deal to land Eagles winger Wilfried Zaha, the two clubs ultimately treated negotiations over McCarthy separately.

Palace have long been linked with a move for McCarthy who has regained his fitness following a double leg break suffered in January 2018 but faces stiff competition from the likes of André Gomes, Tom Davies, Morgan Schneiderlin and new signing Jean-Philippe Gbamin for a starting role in Everton's midfield.

The player underwent a medical today (Wednesday) before inking a three-year contract that ends his six-year association with Everton with one year left on his existing deal. The £8.5m fee reported by some outlets has been downgraded to £2.7m by most sources.

Signed by Roberto Martinez in a deadline-day deal in August 2013, McCarthy became a linchpin in the Catalan midfielder's midfield as Everton went on to amass their record points total for the Premier League era that season.

The Scottish-born Ireland international sustained a catalog of soft-tissue injuries in subsequent seasons before suffering that leg fracture in a freak incident involving former West Brom striker Salomon Rondon.

All told, he made just 10 first-team starts in his final three seasons with the Blues and he will be hoping for a more settled run with his new club.

Reader Comments (110)

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Si Smith 1Posted
06/08/2019 at
20:46:54

Best for all concerned that we accept any bid for him really. Apparently, we turned down £8M. I myself would have taken it. If Palace up it, then it's a no-brainer.

Daniel A Johnson 2Posted
06/08/2019 at
20:51:52

£8M?!?! Fuck off!!

More like £16M plus Zaha!!

Fran Mitchell 3Posted
06/08/2019 at
20:58:21

£10M for McCarthy.£15M for Tosun (up to £20M with add-ons) £10M for Schneiderlin to Soton or someone (up to £15M with add-ons)£10M for Holgate (15% sell-on fee)£5M for BesicLoan out Bolasie, Martina, Mirallas and Niasse with options to buy. (Total: £6M in loan fees)

£56M or so still to come in.

James Stewart 4Posted
06/08/2019 at
20:59:29

Tell them to piss off. Should be what we paid minimum.

Pat Kelly 5Posted
06/08/2019 at
21:09:25

Can't understand Palace taking the risk on him. Good luck to them.

Michael Kenrick 6Posted
06/08/2019 at
21:31:01

The Mail saying an £8M 3-year deal has been agreed. Medical tomorrow. I think he's past his best.

Kunal Desai 7Posted
06/08/2019 at
21:36:24

They key here is passing his medical. If he starts the early enough tomorrow he should hopefully have plenty of time to complete it by 4:59pm on Thursday.

Neil Copeland 8Posted
06/08/2019 at
21:42:25

Kunal #7, and complete the second part in January.

Andy Crooks 9Posted
06/08/2019 at
21:42:41

Michael, I admire McCarthy but I think that Palace are taking a serious gamble. Is he past his best? His hamstrings have had a good rest but he seems fragile. Do you think that this separate deal makes a Zaha deal dead?

Chris James 10Posted
06/08/2019 at
21:44:14

In that he doesn't have a future at the club and has barely played through injury for several years, this is good business I think.

I'd started to get excited about Zaha, so I guess this being separate makes that less likely, but sure we can find another attacking option in next 2 days!

With Sidibe looking signed and sealed, it's just centre-back and right-side attacker left to complete the magic 5.

Brent Stephens 11Posted
06/08/2019 at
21:51:07

Kunal #7 - wicked!

Kevin Molloy 12Posted
06/08/2019 at
21:55:01

i think we're ok for winger. We've got Bernard and he was our key man last year even with the lack of goals, look what he did for Digne's game. We can also stick Kean there now if Bernard gets injured. I'd rather get a young centre back on loan, and go back in forZouma in Jan when he hasn't kicked a ball in 6 months.

Derek Knox 14Posted
06/08/2019 at
21:58:27

Here's hoping there's no hitches, again I like the lad, but how much game time has he produced over the last 2 years?

Another drain off the wage bill, we are slowly clearing the sick, malingerers, lead-swingers and ne'er-do-wells out of hiding. At least Palace are still talking to us, so there's still hope for the Zaha deal, but hoping not for silly money.

David Pearl 15Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:01:05

Kevin, key men score more than 1 goal. I like Bernard but, when it comes down to it, he seems to miss-hit, whether it be a pass or a shot. Not that he can't improve.

I'm done all things Everton for the night.

James Newcombe 16Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:03:46

Bernard has never really scored much in his career. I think he brings plenty to the table otherwise, Im a big fan.

Darren Murphy 17Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:03:50

Good, more deadwood out the door. He's unfortunately knackered and never going to feature for us. I'm hoping he passes the medical though...

Chris James 18Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:09:43

With McCarthy and Onyekuru out the door and Sidibe only being £2M loan fee, are we now operating at a positive transfer balance?

Jerome Shields 19Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:18:58

Best for McCarthy, he was not figuring in Silva's plans. Only chance he got was on the bench once in February.

In my opinion, Silva's had doubts about his commitment to Everton, too keen to risk playing international football after recovering from injury. If reports are to be believed, McCarthy's relationship with Silva is now at its lowest point.

Christy Ring 20Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:21:53

Wish him all the best, always gave his all on the pitch, hope he can start afresh, and resurrect his career. Don't think there's any love lost with Silva, wouldn't let him go on loan last January, and never gave him a chance for the rest of the season, and his comments today, that he wasn't going well in training, a final kick in the teeth. I'd say McCarthy is looking forward to Saturday! Seeing it was a separate deal, Zaha deal looks unlikely, unfortunately.

Colin Glassar 21Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:42:49

I can't keep up with all this. Me head's spinning! I don't care if we get anyone else (after Sidibe signs) as long as we get rid of the deadwood spongers like Bolasie, Niasse, Walcott, Besic, Schneiderlin etc...

Steve Ferns 22Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:47:03

This is a gamble for Palace, but their doubting fans need to remember his issues have mostly been his hamstrings, and his most recent injury being that nasty broken leg. The hamstrings could be better now. That broken leg will recover. So there is cause to be optimistic and think McCarthy can get back to his best, and I think his very best is as a very good player.

He was one of our key players in that 72-point season. We wouldn't have done it without him. And there was a reason everyone was looking at him after it. He's hardly played a sustained run of games since, and that was 5 years ago. He's still only 28. I think he can get back to a similar level and that he can have a few good more years. It's a gamble worth taking at that price, for a club like Palace, and it's not a bad piece of business on our side.

I wish "Jamesie" all the best, and hope he can rediscover his best form. He always seemed a good lad.

Geoff Lambert 23Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:47:12

Will have to hope he dosen't fall of the table while doing his medical and be out for another 6 months.

Brian Williams 24Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:52:37

This smoothes the way for a transfer in the opposite direction. 😉

Tom Bowers 26Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:56:40

Macca is obviously not part of Silva's plans so take the money and run. I actually like the guy but injuries have plagued him and they don't get any better as you get older.The squad has a lot of players who for one reason or another have not fitted in over the last few seasons and it's time for them to be set aside for the new brigade.

Sidibe will be another welcome addition to strengthen the cover in defence but will centre-back also be solidified in time or will they have to stick with what they have.

Peter Roberts 27Posted
06/08/2019 at
22:58:33

Chris James #18

Our total incomings have cost a rumoured £81m so far, with our outgoings recouping £65.5m (plus a couple of extra for the Wigan boys Williams and Robinson). So once Henry and McCarthy go youre right, we will be at pretty much zero net spend this summer, despite greatly enhancing the squad.

Still allows that extravagant X-factor purchase (Wilf?)

Kase Chow 28Posted
06/08/2019 at
23:00:23

Glad he's gone.

Decent at his best but ultimately another player gone that wasn't producing. Finally, we're being run properly.

Colin Glassar 29Posted
06/08/2019 at
23:04:58

Brands is clearing house.

Eddie Dunn 30Posted
06/08/2019 at
23:05:13

So many injury concerns and the regular club vs country arguments with Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane.

Poor James hasn't been right for some time and had such bad luck on his last return. If the deal gets done, I wish him a few seasons injury-free.

Bill Watson 31Posted
06/08/2019 at
23:42:15

Colin # 21

I'm glad to see Brands clearing out players who, for one reason or another, make little, or no, contribution to the first team squad but to label them all spongers is a little unfair.

Si Smith 32Posted
06/08/2019 at
23:43:22

A few people calling this a gamble, imo it's far from it. McCarthy had always grafted, always wore his heart on his sleeve, and always got himself fit.

I believe he will be an astute buy for Palace. I genuinely believe he has a lot left to give at this level, maybe not at a team trying to break the top 4/6 but easily a mid-table central-midfielder.

Ryan Holroyd 33Posted
06/08/2019 at
23:47:13

£3M for McCarthy, apparently.

Jay Harris 34Posted
06/08/2019 at
23:51:45

Good luck to the lad.

He has been really unlucky with injuries but always put 100% in on the pitch.

Colin Glassar 35Posted
06/08/2019 at
23:56:36

I take it back then, Bill.

Dan Parker 36Posted
07/08/2019 at
00:08:07

Reduces the wage bill and with McCarthy's injury record, unlikely to play in the first team for any period of time. Best for all parties.

James Stewart 37Posted
07/08/2019 at
00:20:35

£3M is extremely low.

Mike Keating 38Posted
07/08/2019 at
00:49:01

Irish Independent say it's £8.5m which seems to make sense as Palace originally offered £8m according to earlier reports.

Either way, the results of the medical will be interesting.

Jack Convery 39Posted
07/08/2019 at
01:52:19

We offered £65m for Zaha and they want £70m. We wanted £8m for McCarthy and they got him for £3m. That's a difference of £5m. £70m less £5m is £65m or am I adding 2 and 2 and making 5?

Do Crystal Palace have to give money to a 3rd party depending on the fee, I wonder – the lower, the less they have to give, or is some form of tax dodge going on – the people must be told. HMRC will be all over this if we sign Zaha for £65m now.

I wonder what Moshiri thinks of one of the family being sold. Anyway, Good Luck, James – you will always have that 72-point season to look back on.

Phil Sammon 40Posted
07/08/2019 at
02:06:03

Kase 28

‘Decent at his best' is a very harsh description of McCarthy's game. I actually think that he was a quite brilliant player in Martinez's first season. He zipped about like a coiled spring, breaking up play a bit like Gueye.

I always yearned for him to take the next step and improve the offensive side of his game. He was a bit too happy to play a sideways pass.

Anyway, with all the injuries, it seems he will never fulfil his potential but I hope he gets his move and shows what he can do. Good luck to him.

Mike Gaynes 41Posted
07/08/2019 at
02:26:04

I just wish him the best and hope he stays reasonably healthy.

When you've had six recurrences of the same injury -- the hamstring -- it's incurable.

James Flynn 42Posted
07/08/2019 at
04:04:59

‘Decent at his best' is an exact description of McCarthy's game.

Frank Sheppard 43Posted
07/08/2019 at
05:57:15

Good luck to him. He didnt have injury problems on purpose, and he always put a shift in. Not a player to “go missing “ on the pitch. Some comments on here lack basic generosity. I hope he passes medical and performs well for Palace.

John Pierce 44Posted
07/08/2019 at
06:29:36

3m. What does that tell you? We are desperate to unload him, Silva doesnt rate him and at that price theyll take him even if he cant pass the medical!

Of course its a risk. His game is based on grunt, no shame in that, however closing down and pressing involves a lot of sprinting, not good for hamstrings.

If McCarthy is not to breakdown the way he has previously he surely needs to modify his game? Can he and will he?

I even think this is a poor move for him too, Palace are my tip to go down.

Colin Glassar 45Posted
07/08/2019 at
06:32:23

Its going to be a fun 24 hours. I hope to see 1-2 more arrivals but if not, I think its been a good window for us.

McCarthy is only 28, if he gets fit he is a steady good Premier League midfielder, I dont know why we always get short changed?

David Ellis 48Posted
07/08/2019 at
07:06:34

Jim - we dont always get shortchanged. Like everyone else sometimes we do and sometimes we dont.

Derek Knox 49Posted
07/08/2019 at
07:51:35

The Government haven't introduced a Subsidised Scrappage Scheme that we don't know about have they?

Next. :-)

Billy Roberts 50Posted
07/08/2019 at
08:10:28

Very good at his best, is a fairer assessment I would say.Calling him deadwood is just disrespectful especially with the injury he sustained by literally " putting his body on the line"I would save the deadwood comments for others. Let's wish him an injury free career eh? however unlikely that is.

Drew O'Neall 51Posted
07/08/2019 at
08:10:41

Jack 39 Good points. The Zaha fee will be undisclosed but likely lower by the net savings on Macca and Cenk and anyone else.

James Marshall 52Posted
07/08/2019 at
08:16:20

To be fair to Palace, Macca will probably only play about 3 games for them so £3m seems like a snip.

Denis Richardson 53Posted
07/08/2019 at
08:22:49

Better late than never.

Any transfer fee here is an absolute steal for a player who doesnt play and only has a year left on his contract.

Really should have got rid a couple of years ago.

Gerry Ring 54Posted
07/08/2019 at
08:36:40

Frank #43 Well put. Always gave 100% & hopefully wont be playing for Palace at the weekend. Probably end up kicking Gomes & Schneiderlein up & down the pitch!!

Derek Knox 55Posted
07/08/2019 at
08:52:28

Excuse my skepticism but something is afoot here, why would he turn down both Celtic and Newcastle who were both prepared to pay the £8M, to join Palace for £3M?

Considering he is from Glasgow anyway, and I believe a Celtic supporter as a boy, it would be like a home-coming, or even Newcastle which is fairly near the Scottish Border.

Instead he is going to London, I can't quite figure that one out, unless there is some massaging of figures in the possible Wilfried Zaha deal. Which means that the Zaha deal will go ahead, well you don't agree a reduced fee for Macca on the possibility of the Zaha deal, maybe coming off?

Tony Abrahams 56Posted
07/08/2019 at
09:03:12

Ive heard he cant wait to get to London, Derek, and Rossssss Barkley, keeps telling him to “hurry-up”.

I hope McCarthy can get going again and although hes not everyones cup of tea, hes very good at what he does, and the injuries have really blighted his Everton career.

The game has moved on, but for £3 million, its quite possible that James McCarthy, might be the player who gives the most value during these scattergun times?

Brian Williams 57Posted
07/08/2019 at
09:05:01

Derek I didn't realize he's going to Palace for £3m (if that figure's true) but if that IS the case then it HAS to be tied in with the Zaha deal.Brands has proved he's not soft so I personally can't see any other reason.Expect Zaha to arrive for an "undisclosed" fee right at the end of the window or as so fucking annoyingly put by every arm of the media "before the window slams shut."I'm punching meself in the face for just typing that phrase!🤬

Daniel A Johnson 58Posted
07/08/2019 at
09:18:07

Good look to Macca,

Anyone who puts their body on line for the blue shirt deserves praise. He only ever wanted to get fit and play football.

That leg break clash with Rondon was god awful, but sums up his character he never ever pulled out of a tackle.

"IF" he can keep fit £8.5M will be a bargain for Palace

Dave Abrahams 59Posted
07/08/2019 at
09:18:38

Billy Roberts (50), well said Billy,McCarthy is leaving, why cant fans just wish him well without the slurs.

Jim Potter 60Posted
07/08/2019 at
09:26:12

All the best James. You were a fine player when fit.

Len Hawkins 61Posted
07/08/2019 at
09:30:12

My niece and her family lived a few doors away from him and she said what a really nice bloke he was, always prepared to get signed footballs etc for school/ childrens sport club raffles. He didn't turn kids away who knocked for his autograph. To castigate him for being injury prone is ridiculous I'm sure like MOST people he doesn't go out to get injured.I wish him well and hope his career gets back on track.

Dave Williams 62Posted
07/08/2019 at
09:38:36

Played very well with McArthur alongside at Wigan and they will be reunited now. Hope it turns out well for him- one of Robertos better signings.

Derek Knox 63Posted
07/08/2019 at
09:40:27

Brian, I didn't believe the fee myself but it's been reported on many sites (I know it's Jackanory season) but no smoke and fire theory could apply there.

There's sure to be more surprises before the deadline tomorrow, like the old black and white TV series, where Marcel Brands has taken over the role of Superintendent Lockhart, No Hiding Place!

Oumar! we know you are in that locker!

Liam Reilly 64Posted
07/08/2019 at
10:20:14

Always liked him as a player and never moaned when left out of the team.

Can't understand the negative remarks - the double leg break was horrendous for the lad and I'm sure the club had insurance.

Conor McCourt 65Posted
07/08/2019 at
11:00:26

Glad a few have spoke glowingly about Mac who has been one of my favourite Everton players. Yes it is time to let him go but thought that was a cheap shot by Marco about him training for no reason when the player has been the ultimate professional from day one at Everton. That nonsense won't endear him to our fans.

This is a guy jettisoned for a full season when others were in front who don't have his character, love of the club or ability yet not once did he shout his mouth off about the manager or sulk.

I think it's a really clever signing by Roy and those arguing that he hasn't played for 2 years have to realise one was due to a horrendous injury but the other was due to not being fancied. From my recollection he was available for nearly all that season and Coleman was constantly praising him in the Irish media on how he was doing in training.

Palace won't be relegated as they are too organised and can also control games unlike most defensively minded teams who don't look after the ball. I feel he is perfect for their midfield and wish him all the best.

Chris James 66Posted
07/08/2019 at
11:05:56

BBC are saying £3M which is absolute nonsense as we've turned down bids for more than that.

Christy Ring 67Posted
07/08/2019 at
11:54:04

Conor @65 great post, as I also said earlier, it was a cheap shot by Marco to say, not looking good in training. A model professional, who has been fully fit for the last 10 mths, never given a run, still had a smile on his face, but never complained. He wore the Everton jersey with pride, his last ditch defending, cost him a horrendous injury. As Seamus said, he has the bite back in training, and needs to get away. Hope he stays fit, and the hamstrings ok, and resurrect his career at Palace.

Mark Tanton 68Posted
07/08/2019 at
11:58:03

Christy you are not in a position to judge his professionalism - Young Marco is though. We can debate whether Marco should have been so public in his criticism but Ill take his judgement on the professionalism he saw, over your opinion.

Steve Ferns 69Posted
07/08/2019 at
12:03:29

Christy, what did Silva say word for word? I think you've seen a short quote that has been taken out of context. The quote I remember was not slagging McCarthy off as a slacker, it said others were in a better position. I think you've misinterpreted something based on a click bait website wanting to give you the wrong end of the stick to sell you advertising.

Conor McCourt 70Posted
07/08/2019 at
12:28:02

Mark I agree that the problem here is the unnecessary public criticism which slights a player who has served under numerous managers without any hint of unprofessionalism.

I'm sure his standards did drop last week but that is understandable from a human standpoint. The purpose of training is to prepare for match days and last season even Marco was often saying how hard he was working and would be selected as he seen fit.

He wasnt allowed to leave yet he wasn't allowed to play either which must have been frustrating for a player who isn't just about the pay check. This year against Wigan he was brought on in the 77th odd minute when kids were ahead of him so from a normal point of view his motivation wouldn't be as strong.

Even if Marco felt his attitude wasn't on point he should have understood the players situation and the loyalty he showed to the club and all his managers and not come out with that garbage.

As yet James hasn't commented and seems consistent with his character but it is Marco who is unprofessional here and had it been me I wouldn't have taken that shit.

Jake Lucas 71Posted
07/08/2019 at
13:13:02

Why are we allowing this transfer to complete if Palace are holding us to ransom and out pricing the Zaha move? We've offered a more than fair package even in today's ridiculous transfer circus and they are not playing ball...so why should we?

Mick Davies 72Posted
07/08/2019 at
14:24:08

Sorry to see him go. A true professional who laid his safety on the line for the cause. Never once moaned about being benched or cried for a transfer, even when he was a t his peak. Sadly he's past that now but at 28, and a seasoned international who's played at the highest level, £3m is a joke and we should just loan him to someone and tell Palace to shove it

Kieran Kinsella 73Posted
07/08/2019 at
14:34:50

Steve

Word for word he said ""For this match I went with other players, they worked better during the week and they are more ready to play and to help the team.”

I think the key words are "better" and "ready" as they're both ambigious especially considering English is Silva's second language. "Better" could imply a lack of effort, it could also simply mean someone else looked sharper which is not a slight. "Ready" could be related to attitude, match fitness, or again sharpness. So I don't see a golden bullet here.

Kieran Kinsella 74Posted
07/08/2019 at
14:36:21

Wouldn't it be "Everton" if after all this Zaha hype we ended up losing 1-0 to Palace with a toe punt deflected scuffed shot from McCarthy.

Christopher Timmins 75Posted
07/08/2019 at
14:40:26

Given the terrible injury that he suffered in early 2018 one could not but wish him luck in the years ahead. It would have ended many a career.

Andy Sommer 76Posted
07/08/2019 at
14:44:39

Agree it would be good to get rid. A few of you have mentioned the medical... my concern is if there is an Ireland international game on tonight... if so the medical tomorrow is doomed... leg break

Gerry Ring 77Posted
07/08/2019 at
15:33:33

Id say Roy Hodgson knows what hes doing & probably pulling the wool over Silvas eyes. R.H. Is very astute and if Macca can reproduce some of his old form it may be a signing we might regret. I do have a problem with Silva not loaning McCarthy out last season & then not bothering to play him. He persisted in playing Walcott for lots of games when it was obvious he wasnt up to it. Maybe a weakness in his man management skills.

Suddenly the £3m for McCarthy makes a little bit of sense. Why would we play so nicely on this transfer if they were busy fleecing us for Zaha?

Mick Davies 80Posted
07/08/2019 at
17:01:03

Andy Sommer @ 76 Moronic post, should be ashamed of yourself

James Flynn 81Posted
07/08/2019 at
18:30:23

The Club played this perfectly. Kept McCarthy off the pitch to give his leg more time to heal (18 months). He's back to full fitness and sold. Mr. sideways/backwards pass was the poster boy for the type of player doesn't fit Silva's system.

Who will take Besic? Where is he? You don't even hear his name mentioned. 27 in a few weeks and 2 more years on his contract. It's possible he'll have 6-7 years at Everton without contributing anything, a terrible signing.

Andy Sommer 82Posted
07/08/2019 at
19:40:32

Mick @80, Gerry @78 yeah apologies. I was trying to get across that he always seemed to injure himself when he went to play internationals. Maybe I went a bit far.

Christy Ring 83Posted
07/08/2019 at
19:49:11

Steve @69, and Mark @68 The echo quoted him saying he went for other players who worked better during the week, and we're more ready, there's no misinterpretation, and why say it in the public domain. Mark @68 He always was a model professional, when he played for our club.

Mark Tanton 84Posted
07/08/2019 at
19:55:16

Christy you do not know if he was a model professional though do you? Or even what a model professional is in high level football. Either do I.

Paul Birmingham 85Posted
07/08/2019 at
20:36:42

If true then its an insult based on other transfers but perhaps Palace have milked the players injury profile over the past 5 years?

Personally I like James McCarthy, he was an able servant to the EFC cause whilst his fitness was good, and I wish him all the best for the future.

Neil Cremin 86Posted
07/08/2019 at
23:17:00

I for one am sorry to see him go. My biggest fear if that he will give a man of the match against us in the first game of the season.

Conor McCourt 87Posted
07/08/2019 at
23:36:04

Stupid to get this done tonight to make him available on Saturday as that could bite us on the ass.

Jamie Crowley 88Posted
07/08/2019 at
23:41:23

Part of the best midfield Ive personally seen, and a member of the best transfer window with Barry and Lukaku.

I wish him all the best. Never, ever gave anything other than 100%.

I think he will be a member of the second best transfer window in my time, after tomorrow.

Stunned he wasnt included in a larger, Zaha deal. Then again, maybe he was. Time will tell.

Kase Chow 89Posted
08/08/2019 at
00:37:50

BBC reporting £3m. Who isnt fact checking and who is like Donald Trump?

Someone sort it out - this should be basic!!!

Kase Chow 90Posted
08/08/2019 at
00:54:17

Its either £8.5M or £3M

Where is the official information kept and why not check against that? Is it really that difficult?

Jamie Crowley 91Posted
08/08/2019 at
00:54:17

The real number mystery to me, is how in the hell did Zaha go from an £80 million valuation to a £100 million valuation in two days??

That makes McCarthy's £8.5 million to £3 million look like peanuts!

But I'd bet the two deals are intertwined.

Don Alexander 92Posted
08/08/2019 at
01:49:53

If you didn't know better, Jamie, you might think Football is corrupt to the core, at the expense of the fans.

Gavin Johnson 93Posted
08/08/2019 at
02:51:08

Good luck to James on his next move. His injuries have cut short his Everton career. I have no doubt he'd be getting games over Davies and Schneiderlin if it wasn't for the perpetual injuries, both major and niggly. If he stays fit Palace have got a bargain, whether the fees £3m or £8.5m. If it was the latter amount I think we also got a decent fee given this was going to be the last season of his contact. It's a move that suits all.

Now Palace need to do the right thing by Zaha and accept our deadline offer. £80m is a crazy amount, but if it happens it puts us on par with the 'so called' top 6 for attacking talent.

Terry White 94Posted
08/08/2019 at
04:13:28

Of course, Christy, various posts, McCarthy being Irish has nothing to do with your continued efforts to elevate his status? He has been a good but limited player, that's all, nothing earth shattering, prone to passing the ball sideways and very reluctant to putting the ball in the opposition net.

We have a much better and younger squad available now. We need to offload players who aren't going to play from the payroll. We need to continue to recoup money from sales to offset the excellent expenditure. It's great for him that another PL club is willing to give him an opportunity to play competitively at the top level and it's great that Everton Football Club did not hold another club to ransom to enable him to do so, nor were we spiteful enough (as others on this site would have been) to hold up his sale just because we have not been able to buy Zaha.

I would very much doubt that McCarthy, now our former player so let's get over him, will be in Palace's starting XI on Saturday.

Kieran Kinsella 95Posted
08/08/2019 at
04:35:43

Photos of McCarthy absolutely beaming in his Palace shirt. Looks genuinely delighted to be there (remember the Aaron Lennon photo opp?) Who can blame him? One minute he's on cloud 9 chasing a Champions League spot... then he went through hell.

Injuries, club versus country rows, devastating leg break, 18 months in the wilderness between first team and U23s. I am genuinely happy for him to get a fresh start. Palace is a nice club. I've always been treated well as an away fan. Hodgson seems like a decent sort too.

Alan J Thompson 96Posted
08/08/2019 at
06:03:21

It seems our "super" coach has had a few problems with players not putting in as much at training as he wants and has now sold two of them while hanging on to the two worst offenders who earn a lot more than the two sold. Couldn't be a chicken and egg problem, could it?

Geoff Trenner 97Posted
08/08/2019 at
06:29:21

Alan@96, you cant sell a player if nobody wants to buy.

Alan J Thompson 98Posted
08/08/2019 at
06:37:57

Geoff(#97); Or get them to train, so it seems.

Brendan Fox 99Posted
08/08/2019 at
06:53:04

Good luck with Palace James.

No point holding onto a squad player who has had more than his fair share of injuries over the past 6 seasons, probably spent more time on the Physio table then on the pitch so recouping some money be it £3m or £8.5m rather than letting him leave on a free at the end of this seaon.

Neil Cremin 100Posted
08/08/2019 at
08:10:10

Terry #94Why is the requirement of McCarthy not putting the ball in the oppositions net not applied to the other midfielders such as Gana, Sneids, Davies, Gomes to name but a few.Again, Sorry to see him go but wish him the best and hope the decision doesnt come back to bite us on Saturday.

Personally don't like all that bollox, footballers and the like claiming allegiance to play internationally because they had a pint of Guinness in a paddy bar with a street sign pointing towards Galway (145 m) and a bike with deflated tyres hanging on the wall with a wicker basket.

Paul Kelly 102Posted
08/08/2019 at
08:25:34

Got to love Palace, work with a Palace fan, they hate the shite as much as we do!!!!!

Because of the euro ban apparently, never realised they were affected.

Dale Rose 103Posted
08/08/2019 at
08:33:27

Good luck to him. Dogged by injury.

Freddy Maldonado 104Posted
08/08/2019 at
08:37:07

It's insane to think that some Palace fans already have Mac in their starting 11. This was us 5 years ago-how quickly things change.

Liam Reilly 105Posted
08/08/2019 at
08:44:21

Paul Kelly #101Ignorant comments and no place on a football forum.

Denis Richardson 106Posted
08/08/2019 at
08:59:03

Thought Brandts done an ok job so far but getting £8.5m for McCarthy is an absolute stroke of genius. How hes managed to get anyone to pay anything for him is beyond me.

Utterly underwhelming signing by Martinez whos hardly played in the 6 odd years weve had him. I know some like the guy but as a footballer he was always bang average to me. A try hard water carrier and nothing else.

Nothing against him personally and hope he gets his career back on track at Palace but am I glad weve finally got rid.

Other than Lukaku and Barry, did Martinez sign anyone decent in his 3 years?

Conor McCourt 107Posted
08/08/2019 at
10:06:43

Paul Kelly-seems more like to me that you are the fool who doesn't know where he comes from? Surprised ToffeeWeb is letting that type of nonsense remark.

Neil (#100) I quite agree that we need more goals from our midfield. The thread discussion was about McCarthy, not the others, and my judgement and comment was based solely on McCarthy's abilities or lack therof. Goal scoring has never been his forte. I too wish him well. He has suffered a lot in recent years and it would be inspiring to see him return to full fitness and form.

Neil Cremin 111Posted
08/08/2019 at
20:34:34

Point taken Terry

Neil Cremin 112Posted
08/08/2019 at
21:10:15

Wow Paul KellyWhat is your problem. A little bit of Trumpism, I suspect

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